The City of Yellowknife owns and operates its own utility. The City receives all of its potable water from the Yellowknife River. Pumphouse No. 2, located at the Yellowknife River just upstream of the bridge, delivers water to Pumphouse No. 1 via a 400 mm welded steel submersible pipeline below Yellowknife Bay. The water is treated (chlorine gas disinfection and fluoridation since 1990) at Pumphouse No. 1, stored in the 9.0 million litre water reservoir, heated in the winter time, and then distributed throughout the City of Yellowknife via 62 kilometres water pipes.
Pumphouse No. 1 also has the ability to draw water from Yellowknife Bay in an emergency. Two other pumphouses and reservoirs as well as two recirculation stations assist in moving the water to the consumers and maintaining constant circulation. Pumphouse No. 1, staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is also the central control, through a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and PLCs (programmable local controls), of all pumphouses and lift stations. It also provides radio/phone dispatch services for fire, ambulance, municipal enforcement and Public Works. All facilities have diesel generators and/or diesel pumps as backup.
Keep Your Water Tank Clean
Help to ensure water quality in your home. View this helpful how to clean your water tank video created by Government of Northwest Territories Department of Health & Social Services.Billing
Water Meter Requirements
| Raw Water Supply Upgrade 2026 |
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The Raw Water Supply Upgrade Project is being undertaken to address aging water infrastructure, with key components approaching the end of their useful life. This project will modernize and expand the City’s raw water system, supporting a safe, reliable, and resilient long-term drinking water supply for residents. In addition, the project will help ensure adequate water supply to meet the needs of a growing city. Project Overview The project includes:
Public Open House The City of Yellowknife invites residents to a Public Open House to learn more about the Raw Water Supply Upgrade Project. City staff and AECOM technical experts will be available to:
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Location: Explorer Hotel, Katimavik A Room
Everyone is welcome. The City is engaging residents, rights holders, and regulators throughout the project to ensure concerns are heard and considered. More information about the project will be provided soon. To provide your feedback on this project, email waterlicence@yellowknife.ca |